SAN NARCISO, Zambales — The valedictorian of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) KADALIGTAN Class of 2025 urged his fellow graduates to lead with empathy, humility and courage as they begin their service in the maritime industry and uniformed services.
Midshipman First Class Marc John Castañeto of Llanera, Nueva Ecija, the eldest son of a retired public school teacher and a welder, said his dream of becoming a seafarer began far from the coast, in a town where the sound of roosters was more familiar than the horns of ships.
“Hindi mo kailangang lumaki sa tabi ng pantalan para mangarap ng malaki… Basta may pangarap ka, may sipag ka, at may pananalig ka sa Diyos—makakarating ka,” he recalled from his parents’ advice.
Castañeto told his fellow graduates that leadership is not defined by position or uniform.
“Leadership doesn’t start on the bridge. It starts here (tapping his chest). “It’s about standing firm when the waves get wild, staying calm when everything is shaking, and lifting others when they are down,”he said.
He added that the values learned in PMMA, including discipline, resilience and teamwork, should guide graduates not only in their maritime careers but also in life.
“We’re not just called to sail the seas. We’re called to sail through life with dignity, compassion, and steadfast purpose,” he furthered.
Castañeto received the Presidential Saber from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Chairman of the Board Award from Commission on Higher Education Commissioner Desiderio R. Apag III, as well as the Research Award, Leadership Award and Discipline Award.
In his keynote address, President Marcos commended the 252 graduates for their discipline and dedication, encouraging them to live up to their class name, Kawal ng Dalampasigan, Liwanag ng Karagatan.
“Each path is different, but you carry the same compass guiding you towards excellence and service. The seas are rife with danger. It will test you; it will push you to your limits, but above all, it will shape you into the mariner that you are meant to be,” he said.
The Class of 2025 is composed of 144 graduates with Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation and 108 with Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering. This includes 15 Philippine Navy cadets, 13 Philippine Coast Guard cadets and 224 merchant marine officers. All were commissioned as ensigns of the Philippine Navy Reserve Force.
PMMA Superintendent Commodore Joel Abutal described the class as disciplined, resilient and mission-driven, saying they embody courage and dedication to the nation and reflect the academy’s continuing pursuit of excellence in training and leadership.
Founded in 1820, PMMA is the country’s pioneer institution in maritime education and one of its oldest higher education establishments.
